Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Genus Liparis | Order Asparagales Subfamily Epidendroideae Rank Species | |
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Similar Malaxideae, Liparis nervosa, Liparis, Epidendroideae | ||
Liparis pingxiangensis is a new species of orchid discovered in 2013 in Guangxi, China.
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It is easily distinguished from closely related species by strongly curved column without column wings, and broadly rhombic-elliptic lip with 2 uncinate calli at the base. In particular, it differs most markedly from its congeners in possessing two pollinia attached by long and prominent caudicles (not stipes), to a distinct sticky disc.
Distribution, habitat and ecology
Liparis pingxiangensis is terrestrial, forming more or less scattered colonies on shady and damp areas with small ravines, in wet to most soils and humus, on the steeper slopes, at elevations of around 800 m in the mixed deciduous forest of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Flowering occurs in early spring, from early until late April. Up to now, it has not been observed in fruits.
Conservation status
Liparis pingxiangensis is a rare species occurs in a rather small population (no more than 10 individuals). As far as observed, it is known only from the type collection and a neighboring population. The forest has been experiencing a continuing decline in quality of habitat due to deforestation. Using the World Conservation Union Red List Categories and Criteria, L. pingxiangensis should be treated as critically endangered due to its rarity and the threat of disturbance. More studies at the two nearby localities may shed light on this enigmatic species.